A review by jjfey
Kiss, Kill, Thrill Me, Daddy by Lance Lansdale

dark funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Kiss, Kill, Thrill Me, Daddy kicks off with a prologue that sets the chaotic tone perfectly: Abi and Tatum’s first meeting. Tatum’s sporting his iconic ‘uniform’: “Hot-pink crop top. Magenta jockstrap. A knowing smirk meant for me and me alone.” Really, Abi? He doesn’t even know you yet, but okay… 
 
Tatum is adorably fragile when it comes to emotions, and Abi? Well, he’s head-over-heels from the start, over-the-top in his devotion. They might seem well-adjusted next to Scotty and Brody, but don’t be fooled—they’re just as unhinged in their own special way. Case in point: the (w)hole finger-warming thing. It starts off hilarious, but somehow, it grows on you. Sweet? No, that’s not the word. But it works for them. 
 
Abi and Tatum are an oddly perfect match, each bringing their own brand of vulnerability. Abi, shaped by parental loss, and Tatum, haunted by his past with Benito and the heartbreak of losing the Bens and Austin. 
 
In any other situation, Tatum’s hot-and-cold routine with Abi would drive me up the wall. Push, pull, push again. But considering his messy relationship history? It all just... makes sense and makes him a sympathetic character. 
 
Let me just say this: Benito? I hate him! Top of Fee’s hit list, thank you! And how adorable is it that Tatum convinces himself it’s just a “hate list” and not an actual hit list? Um, Tatum, sweetie, you do know those three are contract killers, right? So delightfully delulu. 
 
It wouldn’t be a murder daddy book without Brody threatening some poor inanimate object or serving up a fresh dose of unhinged Scotty and Brody antics—and, oh boy, does it deliver. 
Scotty and Brody are a special breed of unhinged that makes Abi and Tatum look, dare I say, almost normal. And yet, they’re not at all normal. 
 
These MCs? I was thinking how they’re peak unreliable narrators, right before reading this: “Abi also claims later that night, he woke up with me trying to sit on his cock, and I know that’s a fucking lie, so he’s hardly a reliable narrator.” And let’s not even start on Scotty and Tatum’s friendship, which is both disturbing and yet somehow endearing. There’s no way I’d forgive the shit they put each other through. But biffles forever, apparently. 
 
Again, bonus points for the cheeky meta references to the next book. Loved every moment of this wild ride. 
 
Side note: Tatum’s parents? Completely unbothered by everything. They’re a welcome introduction and I can’t wait to read more about them. I’m so excited for the Bens’ story, they really deserve their HEA.